High-tech cooler pulls in millions of dollars on Kickstarter

Though they’re a necessary summertime item, most coolers are bulky and a nuisance to lug around on a hot day. How much better would it be if your cooler did more than just hold drinks? Inventor Ryan Grepper from Portland, Oregon plans to shed some light on that idea. He designed a new drink-carrying vessel called the “Coolest Cooler,” which took off on Kickstarter, reeling in more than $5 million from more than 21,000 backers.

The Coolest Cooler is anything but ordinary. It includes a USB charger, an LED light, wireless speakers, and much more.

So what exactly is so special about this super cooler? According to Grepper, it was time these things got an upgrade, and the Coolest Cooler does so much more than keep your beverages cold. It features a built-in blender, a waterproof USB charger, an LED light, a bottle opener, gear tie-down, and removable wireless waterproof speakers. Furthermore, the cooler’s equipped with a split lid design for quick access to ice for the blender without letting too much warm air in. It also comes with a removable divider that allows users to keep ice separate from food and drinks. According to the Kickstarter page, “The Coolest Cooler is 60 quarts of AWESOME packed with so much fun you’ll look for excuses to get outside more often.” Can't go wrong with that.

Use the Coolest Cooler to charge your devices.

Mastermind Grepper is planning to use the Kickstarter money to execute manufacturing agreements and finalize his prototype in order to begin shipping the coolers in February 2015. Though he originally pledged a goal of $50,000 on Kickstarter, Grepper already racked up millions and still has 43 days to go. The cheapest Coolest Cooler is currently selling for $185.

Interested in the Coolest Cooler around? You can order one here.